CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the December issue of Themes on the Economy®, Diane
Swonk urges Washington to heed the advice of a 20th century
leader working to heal divisions in the country. John F. Kennedy, when
still a U.S. senator, said: “Let us not despair but act. Let us not seek
the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.”

“Let us not despair but act. Let us not seek
the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.”

Our chief economist lists the reasons why 2013 could be the best year
for the U.S. economy since 2005. “If we overcome the near term risk
associated with fiscal policy, the year ahead could be a transitional
period: the housing market is finally coming back; cuts to state and
local government spending are abating; and, business investment should
pick up if certainty can be restored on the fiscal front. Add to that,
persistently easy monetary policy, which makes it easier for both
businesses and households to gain credit.”

Swonk explains further that domestic policy is effectively foreign
policy: “The threat to our credit rating is particularly disturbing, as
further downgrades could undermine the dollar’s status as the world’s
reserve currency. Indeed, Europe with its disparate countries has
demonstrated more resolve to save the euro than we have shown in trying
to resolve our fiscal problems.”

Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered
in Chicago. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the firm remains
independent and employee-owned, with approximately 1,200 employees
globally. With expertise in Investment Management, Global Markets,
Insurance Services and Consulting, Mesirow Financial strives to meet the
financial needs of institutions, public sector entities, corporations
and individuals. For more information about Mesirow Financial, visit its
website at mesirowfinancial.com.

Contacts

Mesirow FinancialKaren Nye, 312-595-7147

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